WWT

Who we are

WWT, the wetland charity is on a mission to restore wetlands and unlock their powers.

Wetlands are super powered ecosystems; they’re flood-busting, carbon-storing, water-purifying habitats that are home to 40% of the world’s wildlife. 

But we’re losing them at an alarming rate. We’ve lost 87% of wetlands globally – and they are disappearing faster than forests.  

WWT maintains and manages thousands of hectares of wetland habitat across the UK and internationally; helping to support and protect endangered species, while also providing wetland experiences for local people and communities. 

WWT has 10 wetland sites across the UK, creating opportunities for people to get up close to, and learn about, wetlands and the wildlife that call them home.

WWT sites are living examples of the beauty and power of wetlands. Full of life, rich with sights and sounds, they offer accessible and unforgettable sensory and seasonal experiences. From watching wild birds gather on shimmering lagoons to exploring reedbeds alive with dragonflies, every visit reveals how wetlands enrich our lives and how we can all play a part in helping them thrive.

We take this wetland expertise around the world with projects that strengthen the link between wetlands, wildlife and people. We rescue endangered species from the edge of extinction. We protect, restore and create exciting new wetlands for people and wildlife. We work with communities, businesses and governments to help people live sustainably alongside wetlands.

Our history

For 80 years, WWT have been the charity to find solutions and inspire change for wetlands and wetland wildlife.

Founded in 1946 by the naturalist and artist, Sir Peter Scott, WWT is a ground-breaking conservation charity – known as the birthplace of modern conservation.

Conservation science has proven what Sir Pete Scott had always known. Wetlands are wondrous places – powerful weapons of mass creation with the potential to save species from extinction, tackle the climate crisis, and improve people’s wellbeing. WWT are on a mission to restore wetlands and unlock their power – and empower everyone to do the same.

Volunteering with WWT

Volunteers play a very important role in the life of the WWT. They do not take the place of paid staff, but they contribute to the success of WWT by assisting staff in nearly every department, so there are a wide range of opportunities available.

These include welcoming our visitors, providing guided tours, maintaining and improving the grounds, recruiting new WWT members, gardening and horticulture, providing office support, getting creative with the Education team, and supporting our pioneering work on the Reserve.  There is something for everyone!

Although volunteers work without financial reward there are many other ways that they benefit from becoming a WWT volunteer. Learning new skills, meeting new people, improving mental wellbeing, keeping fit and gaining experience in wildlife conservation are just a few. 

We provide volunteers with a WWT uniform, a discount in our cafés, gift shops, and free entry to our wetland sites on presentation of their identity cards. We share regular volunteer newsletters and support through inductions, talks and training.

All our current volunteer opportunities are advertised on our website and we recruit volunteers to specific roles.  For each role we provide you with an indication of the activities and tasks involved, along with an outline of the skills you will need to carry it out in a role description.